Smoove

Office address: Masters Court, Church Rd, Thame OX9 3FA 
Website: www.hellosmoove.com 
Year established: 2003 
Company type: legal services 
Employees: 120+ 
Expertise: conveyancing, property technology, legal services, compliance and risk management, digital transactions 
Parent company: Property Exchange Australia 
CEO and key people: Jesper With-Fogstrup (CEO), Michael Cress (CFO), Ed Mardell (CTO), Jameel Lalani (CPO), Katy Jamieson (general counsel), Paul Saunders (director of lender services & MD LegalEye) 
Financing status: formerly PE-backed 

Smoove is an online platform based in Thame, Oxfordshire, offering innovative solutions to streamline the home moving process. The company supports over 100,000 conveyancing cases and has facilitated more than 1 million home moving and refinancing transactions. With over 120 employees, Smoove operates with a vast network of 75 conveyancers and supports 45 languages. 

History of Smoove 

Smoove was founded in 2003 as ULS Technology, quickly expanding its influence in the property market. The company was originally listed on AIM as ULS Technology in 2014 but by 2015, Smoove had acquired a stake in Legal Eye Limited, enhancing its governance and compliance services.  

The acquisition of HomeOwners Alliance and Conveyancing Alliance Limited followed, broadening its consumer advice and conveyancing services. A notable development was the launch of DigitalMove in 2018, a platform that centralises communication in the conveyancing process, marking a significant innovation in property transactions.  

Products and Services of Smoove 

Smoove provides services that collectively aim to streamline various aspects of the property transaction and legal compliance process. Key offerings include: 

  • DigitalMove: a comprehensive platform that centralises the conveyancing process to enhance communication and collaboration among all parties involved 

  • eConveyancer: facilitates the selection of conveyancing services tailored to individual needs, ensuring efficient and reliable service 

  • Legal Eye: provides oversight and compliance services to ensure governance standards are met within the property industry 

Culture at Smoove 

Smoove offers takes care of its employees to enhance workplace satisfaction and well-being, boosting productivity and employee retention. The company ensures it remains competitive in attracting top talent, thus the need to provide comprehensive benefits. These benefits include: 

  • flexible working options 
  • annual voluntary day and generous holiday allowance  
  • electric vehicle and bike purchase scheme 
  • continuous professional development 
  • community and charity Engagement  
  • annual charity partnerships: Macmillan Cancer Support for 2023 
  • health and well-being initiatives 
  • private medical insurance
  • mental health support programs  
  • maternity/paternity benefits
  • financial benefits 
  • competitive pension contributions 
  • share incentive plans 
  • company discounts on services like eConveyancer 

Smoove prioritises a diverse and inclusive workplace, believing that varied perspectives drive both personal and corporate growth. This commitment to diversity ensures a richer, more creative environment, enhancing the customer experience in the home moving and owning process. 

About Smoove CEO Jesper With-Fogstrup and Key People 

Jesper With-Fogstrup serves as the CEO of Smoove from 2021. With-Fogstrup brings 25 years of experience from previous roles including Global Head of Digital at HSBC and COO at comparethemarket.com. He earned an Executive MBA from London Business School, a BA from London South Bank University, and completed leadership programs at Stanford and IMD. 

Supporting him in leading Smoove is a team of skilled professionals: 

  • Michael Cress, serving as CFO, oversees financial strategies that support Smoove's growth 

  • Ed Mardell, as chief technology officer, directs technological advancements to enhance service delivery 

  • Jameel Lalani, chief product officer, develops products that meet the needs of the market 

  • Katy Jamieson, as a general counsel, manages legal frameworks and compliance 

  • Paul Saunders, director of lender services and managing director of LegalEye, ensures service excellence and oversees operations at LegalEye 

The Future at Smoove 

The company focuses on digital innovation to streamline conveyancing, enhancing transaction efficiency and transparency. PEXA's acquisition of Smoove in 2023 enabled it to enhance its digital conveyancing capabilities, streamlining property transactions and expanding its market presence. Continuing technology investments will introduce new digital products and functionalities, establishing the company as a market leader.  

Smoove also plans to enhance its conveyancing services for mortgage brokers by increasing its network of legal partners and firms. These strategies are designed to increase client satisfaction and streamline operations, driving Smoove's growth in the property market. 

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